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These signs are experts at navigating real life.
By Trudi Mentior — Written on Mar 02, 2018
We tend to assume that “intelligence” refers to how well someone might do in school, but there are lots of different ways to be smart. Having a 4.0 GPA doesn’t guarantee that someone is going to have any common sense, because for that, you need “street smarts.”
And when you're one of the most street smart zodiac signs, your horoscope is a great way to determine if you have the know-how to make it.
Someone with street smarts has an instinctual understanding of subcultures and urban lore, and can sense the best way to deal with lots of different people and unknown situations. They feel subtle changes in the social atmosphere from one place to the next, and carry themselves accordingly.
Street smarts include being smart about yourself, too. You know how to use your own strengths to your advantage, and you know when you need to call in a few favors to get someone else’s help. You’re definitely tuned into the messages and warnings that you get, and you’ve got plenty of random, quirky tricks up your sleeve that you can put to good use whenever you need to.
1. ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries is often portrayed as the impulsive hot-head who can’t be bothered to look (let alone think) before leaping, but that doesn’t mean they’re not smart. In fact, the ability to leap into action on a moment’s notice is one of Aries’ strengths; while everyone else is standing around trying to figure out where a problem came from and whose responsibility it is, Aries is already in there taking care of it.
Aries is a natural leader, even if they don’t care whether or not anyone’s following them. They’re not above occasional uncertainty or unwilling to listen to advice (part of being street smart is knowing when to go to the experts), but once they have a basic idea of the situation, they’re not going to waste time over-analyzing all the details.
2. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus is highly sensitive to invisible boundaries; the idea of “territory” is a big part of their lives. They also have a knack for estimating value and worth, making it extremely difficult to get the better of them in any financial or bartering deal.
One of Taurus’ greatest strengths is their obsession with security. They don’t just know how to get what they want at the best price, they will also stop at nothing to protect their property, and when they love someone, they instantly feel responsible for that person’s safety and happiness.
Taurus can seem very calm and laid-back on the outside, but they’ll usually be the first to sense a dangerous situation and react lightning-fast to protect their own.
3. CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
As a homebody, Cancer usually prefers not to spend a whole lot of time out on the streets, but when they finally feel comfortable somewhere, they will often begin to consider it a home away from home. An emotional Water sign, they will form strong emotional bonds with the people they care about, and like Taurus, they will go to great lengths to protect them.
Think of Cancer as the “parent” of the Zodiac. They can sense when something is wrong, and usually know exactly what to do to solve problems or neutralize a threat to their (extended) family. One powerful glare from a devoted Cancer will shut down most trouble before it starts.
4. LEO (July 23 - August 22)
One of Leo’s greatest assets is their natural charm. It’s true that they love to be the center of attention, but they genuinely want everyone else to be comfortable, confident, and have a good time as well. Leo is a positive inspiration, bringing out the best in everyone around them by expecting nothing less.
Leo can step right into the middle of a heated argument or even an impending brawl and diffuse the situation with a few words of praise and a stupid joke. People respond to Leo’s warmth and forthright honesty, and will often give them what they want at a fair price (or even cut them an unexpected deal) just because Leo’s happiness is so contagious.
5. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Clever, devious, insightful, and observant, who could deny that Scorpio probably has the most street smarts of all the zodiac signs? They read people easily and thoroughly, and can instantly guess more about you than you know about yourself.
Scorpio is the sign of mystery and intrigue. They love their secrets and are very good at prying others’ secrets out of them. This doesn’t mean that every Scorpio is looking for ways to use someone’s vulnerabilities against them, but they point is, they could.
If you’re looking for information, gossip, rumors, and ways to circumvent the rules, Scorpio is the advisor you want.
6. PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces spends half of their time in their own imagination, and they do tend to wander blindly into some very risky or questionable situations. However, that heart that they wear on their sleeve gets them out of as much trouble as it leads them into.
Pisces is naturally psychic; this infinitely adaptable Water sign automatically knows what other people are feeling, and their ability to connect with others and offer compassion and understanding will earn them a lot of friends and allies. Pisces is a spiritual healer, and they don’t often let reality stand in their way.
There’s no denying the emotional connection between Pisces and everyone around them. They tend to go where they’re needed, with no thought for their own safety or comfort, knowing subconsciously that others will honor that connection and look out for them while they do their important work.
Trudi Mentior grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where she spent her formative years wondering just what might be beyond those vast plains, on the other side of those distant mountains. She now lives in Vancouver, Washington, with her husband, three cats, and a loudmouthed hyacinth macaw (who loves to scare the cats).